UTM & UTSC Community/Alumni Membership FAQ

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) are inviting applications from community members and alumni interested in serving on their governance bodies as appointed members.

Successful applicants will serve a three-year volunteer term beginning July 1st and may be eligible for re-appointment.

Applications are open to:

  • UTM and UTSC alumni
  • Community members with a close relationship to the campus community

Applicants should be individuals with a strong interest in postsecondary governance and a connection to UTM and UTSC academic or community life.

Serving as a Community or Alumni Member on the UTM/UTSC Campus Councils and Campus Affairs Committees offers an opportunity to:

  • Contribute to campus governance and strategy
  • Strengthen the connection between the campus and the broader community
  • Gain insight into university operations, planning, and policy
  • Help shape the future direction of each campus.

The number of positions available for Community/Alumni Members on both campuses varies from year to year – check the Appointed Membership page for specific information.

Additional community/alumni opportunities may also be available on the Council’s Standing Committees (Campus Affairs and Academic Affairs Committees). Applicants will be asked about their interest in these roles as part of the application process.

The Campus Councils and their Standing Committees meet approximately five times per academic year, typically between September and May.

  • Meeting duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Time: Late afternoon (Committees at 3:10 p.m.; Campus Councils at 4:10 p.m.)
  • Format: In-person attendance is expected; remote participation is available on an ad-hoc basis

Members who also serve on a Standing Committee will attend approximately five additional meetings per year.

No. All members of the Campus Councils and their Committees serve as volunteers, as do all members of the University’s governance bodies. 

The link to the application will be available at the top of the Appointed Membership page during the application period.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Campus Councils have selection committees called Nominating Committees, which review applications for community and alumni members.

  • The Nominating Committees will review applications in April of each year.
  • Their recommendations are then forwarded to the Campus Councils for approval.

The process considers each candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and commitment to the University, as well as the overall diversity and balance of Council membership.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

  • Involvement in and contribution to the University of Toronto and its communities
  • Governance experience, particularly in not-for-profit or public-sector organizations
  • Commitment to active participation, preparation, and regular attendance
  • Sound judgment and integrity
  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to express ideas logically and persuasively

The University encourages applications from diverse individuals who reflect the richness of the University community. Applications are especially welcomed from: Indigenous Peoples, Black and other racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion are especially valued.

The UTM and UTSC Campus Councils exercise governance oversight of campus-specific matters on behalf of the University’s Governing Council. They focus on:

  • Campus objectives and priorities
  • Long- and short-term campus planning
  • Effective use of resources
  • Oversight of policies, programs, and initiatives relevant to each campus.

The Councils handle matters referred to it by the Governing Council.

The Campus Council operates under the Governing Council of the University of Toronto. A full organizational chart is available here.

  • Terms of Reference, Past Agendas and Reports for each body can be found in the menu on this page.
  • Overview Videos for each body can be found on this page.

These resources provide insight into the Council’s composition, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

Members are expected to:

  • Attend most or all meetings of the Council or Committee(s)
  • Review materials and prepare in advance of meetings
  • Contribute actively and thoughtfully to discussions
  • Represent the best interests of the campus with impartiality and professionalism

They can answer questions about the process or provide guidance to prospective applicants.